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Health Briefs, Nov. 13, 2012

Deanna Wright, a student at Central High School, recently received the 2012 Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award for Teen Service at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization annual conference.

Wright has volunteered with Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado for six years and has spent more than 600 hours volunteering with various hospice programs, including Heirlooms for Hospice, the Beauty Queen Project, Camp Good Grief, Itty Bitty Day Camp, and Forget-Me-Not support groups.

Visit http://www.hospicewco.com or call 866-310-8900 to learn about volunteer opportunities at Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

‘Orange Fridays’ for COPD awareness

Lincare, a respiratory home health service, will host “Orange Fridays” every Friday in November during COPD Awareness Month.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also know as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. “Orange Fridays” will feature an open house each Friday in November at Lincare’s office at 592 N. Commercial Drive. Attendees can learn about risk factors for COPD and how to manage the condition.

Clinics for whooping cough shots

The Mesa County Health Department will offer walk-in clinics next week to offer whooping cough vaccinations for $14.50 each. The cost may be covered by insurance.

Walk-in clinics will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 and 21 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Community Services building, 510 29 1/2 Road. A walk-in clinic will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Community Services West, 215 N. Plum St. in Fruita.

Vaccines to guard against whooping cough, formally known as pertussis, are recommended for pregnant women, infants, young children, pre-teens, teens and adults of all ages. Pertussis is most deadly for infants.

Diabetes classes at Community Hospital

The Community Hospital diabetes education program, which offers diabetes education classes monthly, will offer classes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday this month.

Certified diabetes educators lead each class and teach innovative and interactive approaches to diabetes self-care. Medicare and/or other insurances may cover the cost of the class.

A physician’s order is required to attend classes. Call 256-6303 for more information or to schedule an appointment to obtain a physician’s order.

Herbal tea class Saturday at library

Mesa County’s central library, temporarily located on First Street at the intersection with Gunnison Avenue, will host “Tasty Herbal Teas for Winter Wellness” at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Debora Beck of Orrs’ Trading Co. will discuss types of teas and properties of aromatic herbs commonly used in teas. A tea will be offered for sampling and participants can put together a tea of their own to take home. The program is free and open to any adult.